Umbrella construction



March 9, 1954' HENDERSON 2,671,459

UMBRELLA CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 5, 1950 I 6 INVENTOR.

/0 676/7)? fl. Henderson A :6 I BY A W ,2! I V M 2 filial?? Patented Mar. 9, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE UMBRELLA CONSTRUCTION Glenn A. Henderson, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application September 5, 1950, Serial No. 183,207

7 Claims. (Cl. 135-20) This invention has to do with an umbrella construction and it is a general object of the invention to provide an umbrella which is so constructed as to be free of catches or latches that are dimcult to operate or likely to be injurious, and which is such that it can be made large and at the same time subject to simple, convenient operation. With the construction provided by this invention a large umbrella can be easily and safely operated by a woman or child.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an umbrella in which the frame is characterized by a head permanently fixed on the upper end of the upporting pole and a runner which operates along the pole between a down position where the frame is collapsed and an up position where the frame is extended and the braces of the frame are over-center, so that the resiliency of the frame holds the frame open.

Another object of this invention is to provide an umbrella of the general character referred to in which an actuator is carried by the pole and is engageable with or connected to the runner of the frame to serve as an extension thereof that facilitates simple, convenient operation of the runner along the pole.

A further object of the invention is to provide an umbrella construction of the general character referred to in which the pole is jointed or sectional and the actuator detachable from the runner so that it can be lowered to a position where it does not interfere with adjustment or operation of the pole.

The structure provided by the present invention involves a frame, a cover on the frame, a pole carrying the frame and an actuator for operating the frame, and it may further include a carrier or mounting for the assembly formed by the other parts.

The frame involves a head fixed on the upper end of the pole, the head being characterized by a tubular center with radially disposed lugs. The ribs of the frame are pivoted to the lugs. A runner operates along the pole beneath the head and involves a tubular body slidable on the pole. which body has radially projecting lugs. Braces are pivotally connected to the lugs of the body and to the ribs at points spaced from their pivotal mountings. The proportioning and relationship of parts is such that when the body is in a down position the braces and ribs are collapsed, to be substantially parallel with the pole. As the structure is moved to the open position the body is moved up along the pole past a position where the braces are in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the pole and to a final position where the braces extend out and slightly down, as they extend from the body to the ribs. In this position the body is stopped against the lower end of the center of the head. The actuator, as provided by the invention, is a sleeve slidably carried on the pole below the runner and the upper end portion of the sleeve is enlarged somewhat to slide over the lower end portion of the runner. A means is provided for releasably coupling the actuator sleeve and the runner and, in practice, this means is preferably a bayonet slot fastener involving an L-slot in one member and a lug projecting from the other and cooperating with the slot. The actuator sleeve is of such length that when it is attached to the runner it depends a substantial distance below the runner, presenting an element that can be readily grasped by a person operating the umbrella, making it possible to operate the umbrella, either to open it or to close it, without interference with the ribs as they swing between the open and closed positions. When a carrier or support is provided it may be in the nature of a table, or the like, and in a typical situation such support may serve as a retainer preventing displacement of the actuator sleeve from the pole when the pole is of sectional construction and the actuator sleeve released from the runner to clear the joint between the pole sections so that they can be angularly related. When the actuator sleeve is resting on or stopped by a supporting table it is conveniently located and is in position ready to be moved up on the pole and into engagement with the runner whenever it is desired to operate the frame.

The various objects and features of my invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typical preferred forms and applications of the invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a typical umbrella embodying the present invention, showing it supported by a typical carrier or cable and showing the actuator sleeve up. Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the construction in a tilted position and the actuator sleeve down and resting on the carrier. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the parts, as shown in Fig. 1, showing the construction in the down or collapsed position. Fig. 4 is a detailed sectional view showing the parts approaching the position shown in Fig. 1, and in the course of being opened. Fig. 5 is a view showing the parts fully opened, as shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure showing the connection provided between the actuator sleeve and the runner of the frame. Fig. 7 is an enlarged detailed transverse sectional view taken as indicated by line 1-'! on Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is an enlarged detailed sectional view illustrating the frame parts carried by the pole at the upper end thereof, as shown in Fig. of the drawings, and Fig. 9 is aview of a portion of the structure showing the runner stopped before it reaches the head.

The present invention contemplates a construction that can be used in small as well as large umbrellas and in practice the pole of the structure can be rigid or a hinged device as will be hereinafter described. It is to be understood that variations in details can be made to adapt the structure to various special uses.

The construction in which the present inven-' tion is embodied involves, generally, a frame A, a cover B on the frame, a pole C carrying the frame, an actuator D for operating the frame and a carrier or mounting E that may be employed to support the frame.

The frame A in its preferred form involves a head fixed on the upper end of the pole C, the head being characterized by a tubular center Ill having an annular series of radially projecting lugs H thereon. In the preferred form the center is hired or tight on the upper end of the pole and its lower end I2 is so located as to form a stop for the runner, as will be hereinafter described.

Ribs I5 project from the head of the frame, the inner ends of the ribs being joined to the lugs I! by suitable pivots It. It is preferred that the ribs be elongate metal elements having such resilience as to allow for the operation of the structure in the manner hereinafter described.

The runner of the frame is characterized by a tubular body with an annular series of radially projecting lugs 2 I, The body 26 is carried on the pole C so that it is freely slidable along the pole between an up position where it is stopped against the center H1, in which position the frame is open, and a down position where it is spaced well below the center, in which position the frame is closed. In a case such as shown in Fig. 1 the center Hl of the head is of limited length and the runner rod 20 is stopped by a stop member orpin 2' carried by the pole at a point spaced below the center Ill The frame includes braces joined to the lugs 2| by pivots 26 and joined to the ribs [5 by suitable pivotal connections or fasteners 27. The pivotal connections 21 are spaced a substantial distance from the inner ends of the ribs 15 and these connections and the lengths of the braces are so related that the frame is freely operable between a collapsed position such as is shown in Fig. 3 and an open or up position such as is shown in Fig. 5. In Fig. 4 of the drawings I illustrate the frame being operated toward the open position and before the braces have reached a position where they are in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the structure. 7

In accordance with the present invention the braces are operated over or past center, that is, beyond the plane normal to the axis of the structure so that when the frame is fully open, as shown in Fig. 5, thebases extend out and somewhat downward. The movement or passage of the mechanism over center, as just'described, involves slight springing or flexure of the parts,

with the result that when once moved to the fully open position the mechanism remains in that position until deliberately operated by moving the runner downwardly to operate the braces past the over-center position.

The cover, as provided by the present invention, is a flexible element or unit carried by the frame, and in practice it may be any suitable material, say, for instance, a fabric, and may be attached to or mounted on the frame in a manner common to umbrella construction. The pole C employed in carrying out the present invention, may be a simple unitary element rigid in form or, as shown in the drawings, it may be an adjustable or sectional pole having a top section 30 and a base section 3| joined by a suitable hinge or pivotal connection 32.

When a sectional construction is employed it is preferred to locate the pivotal connection 32 so that it occurs substantially as shown in the drawings, and thus allows the head of the umbrella to be rocked or tilted to an angular position, as shown in Fig. 2, or to be left in a normal position, as shown in Fig. 1. In the drawings I have shown a simple, typical pivotal connection 32, whereas, it is to be understood that in carrying out the invention the pole sections can be connected by various structures, as circumstances require.

The actuator D, as provided by the present invention involves an elongate sleeve slidable on the pole and means ll for releas'ably connecting or coupling the upper end of the sleeve with the body or the runner. In the particular case illustrated the sleeve 46 is a simple tubular part of substantial length suitably finished at its lower end, as by a bead 42. The coupling means 4| at the upper end of the sleeve 40 is shown as involving an enlarged portion or cup on the upper end of the sleeve 40 engageable over the lower end portion of the runner body.

The connection between the cup 45 and the runner body may be gained through various constructions. In the typical case illustrated in the drawings this connection is made through 'a bayonet type joint shown as involving a lug or projection 59 on the portion of the runner body received in the cup and an L-shaped slot 5! provided in the cup and entered in the cup from its upper end. Through this construction combined longitudinal and rotary movement between the actuator sleeve and the runner body serves to en'- gage or release these parts and when these parts are connected, as shown in Figs. 4 and 6 of the drawings, they are so coupled that the runner body and sleeve operate as a unit longitudinally of the pole.

In the particular case illustrated the parts are proportioned so that when the frame is open and the actuator sleeve is coupled to the runner body the actuator sleeve covers or extends over the pivotal connection 32 and thus positively and rigidly locks the structure in the position shown in Figs. 1 and 5 of the drawings. Should it be desired to operate the pole sections relative to each other the runner sleeve can be disengaged from the runner body and lowered on the base section of the pole to uncover the hinge or pivotal consection 32.

Where a carrier is provided, as shown in the drawings, it may be in the form of a table 60 having supporting legs 6] and-a top 52. In the case illustrated the base portion of the pole C is en'- tere'd through the top 62 and is held by a rest 83 carried by the legs 6|. When this construction is provided the table top6'2 form a stop and support for the actuator sleeve, as shown in Fig.

2 of the drawings, and serves to prevent displacement of the actuator sleeve from the pole when it is released from the runner to provide for tilting of the structure in a manner such as is shown in Fig. 2.

With the construction provided by the present invention the runner of the frame may be of limited extent lengthwise of the pole to be well Within or enclosed by the cover when the umbrella is up or open, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5 of the drawings. The actuator sleeve, as provided by the present invention, forms an eifective operator or extension for the frame runner and, in practice, may be proportioned so that it extends a substantial distance below the runner body to be radially accessible below the cover, as will be apparentfrom the several figures of the drawings. It is to be observed that the actuator sleeve is of such length as to be at all times below the cover, whether the cover be up or down, thus making it possible for a person to work the structure either to open or close it, without interference from or with either the braces or the ribs.

Having described only a typical preferred form and application of my invention, I do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but Wish to reserve to myself any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. An umbrella including, a pole including upper and lower sections and means pivotally connecting the sections, a frame carried by the pole and including, a head fixed on the terminal end of the upper section of the pole, a runner carried on the pole to move longitudinally thereof, ribs pivoted to the head, braces pivoted to the runner and to the ribs remote from the head, the frame being operable between a down position where the frame is collapsed and an up position where the frame is spread and where the runner is on the upper section, a cover on the frame, an actuator sleeve slidable on the pole, and means releasably coupling the sleeve and runner whereby the actuator is adapted to project from the runner and over said pivot means'when the frame is open.

2. An umbrella including, a pole including upper and lower sections and means pivotally connecting the sections, a frame carried by the pole and including, a head fixed on the terminal end of the upper section of the pole, a runner carried on the pole to move longitudinally thereof, ribs pivoted to the head, braces pivoted to the runner and to the ribs remote from the head, the frame being operable between a down position where the frame is collapsed and an up position where the frame is spread and where the runner is on the upper section, a cover on the frame, an actuator sleeve slidable on the pole, and means releasably coupling the sleeve and runner whereby the actuator is adapted to project from the runner and over said pivot means when the frame is open, said coupling means including a bayonet type connection between the sleeve and runner, said sleeve being adapted to enclose said pivoted connection.

3. An umbrella including, a pole including upper and lower sections and means pivotally connecting the sections, a frame carried by the pole and including, a head fixed on the terminal end of the upper section of the pole, a runner carried on the pole to move longitudinally thereof, ribs pivoted to the head, braces pivoted to the runner and to the ribs remote from the head, the frame being operable between a down position where the frame is collapsed and an up position where the frame is spread and where the runner is on the upper section, a cover on the frame, an actuator sleeve slidable on the pole and having an enlarged end portion receiving a part of the runner, and means releasably coupling the sleeve and runner, said sleeve enclosing the pivotal connection means when in upper position.

4. An umbrella including, a pole having upper and lower sections and means pivotally connecting the sections, a frame carried by the pole and including, a head fixed on the upper section, a runner carried on the pole to move longitudinally thereof, ribs pivoted to the head, braces pivoted to the runner and to the ribs remote from the head, the frame being operable between a down position where the frame is collapsed and an up position where the frame is spread and where the resiliency of the frame urges the runner toward the head, a cover on the frame, an actuator sleeve slidable on the pole from a first position in which it is located entirely on the lower section to a second position in which it embraces the adjoining ends of both sections and encircles said pivotal connecting means, said sleeve having an enlarged upper end portion receiving a part of the runner, and means releasably coupling the sleeve and runner including a projection on said part of the runner cooperating with a slot in said upper portion of the sleeve.

5. An umbrella including, a pole having upper and lower sections and means pivotally connecting the sections, a frame carried by the pole and including, a head fixed on the upper end of said upper section, a runner slidable longitudinally of the pole, ribs pivoted to the head, braces pivoted to the runner and to the ribs remote from the head, the runner being operable between a down position where the frame is collapsed and an up position where the frame is spread and where the resiliency of the frame urges the runner toward the head, a cover on the frame, a support carrying the pole, and an actuator slidable upwardly on the pole from the support toward said head and engageable with the runner to move the latter upwardly and to embrace the adjacent ends of the upper and lower sections so as to retain the sections against pivotal movement.

6. An umbrella including, a pole having upper and lower sections and means pivotally connecting the sections, a frame carried by the pole and including, a head fixed on the upper end of said upper section, a runner slidable longitudinally of the pole, ribs pivoted to the head, braces pivoted to the runner and to the ribs remote from the head, the runner being operable between a down position where the frame is collapsed and an up position where the frame is spread and where the resiliency of the frame urges the runner toward the head, a cover on the frame, a support carrying the pole, and an actuator including a sleeve slidable on the pole between the runner and support and means releasably coupling the sleeve and runner, said sleeve bridging the adjacent ends of said upper and lower sections and retaining them in axial alignment when the sleeve is moved upwardly to locate the runner adjacent said head.

7. An umbrella including, a support, a pole having an upper section and a lower section, said lower section extending upwardly from said support, pivot means pivotally connecting the adto the head, a runner slidable longitudinally of the pole along said sections when the same'are axially aligned, braces pivoted to the runner and to the ribs remote from the head, the runner having a radially projecting pin and being operable between a down position adjacent said support where the frame is collapsed and an up position Where the frame is spread and where the resiliency of the frame urges the runner toward the head, a cover on the frame, and a tubular actuator slidable on the pole from a down position adjacent said support to an up position where it embraces the adjacent ends of said sections and said pivot means so as to retain said sections in axial alignment, said actuator having a bayonet slot receiving said pin of said runner, said support providing a rest upon which said actuator seats when it is released from said runner and moved to its down position.

GLENN A. HENDERSON.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 420,690 Linke l ,--r Feb. 4, 1890 957,734 Bratzel e May 10, 1910 1,006,531 Carroll 1 Oct. 24, 1911 1,236,299 Hart Aug. 7, 1917 

